MPP in housing hot water

Another politician has found himself in the middle of a housing controversy. But this time, it’s a provincial MPP.

Peter Shurman, the PC MPP for Thornhill and self-declared taxpayer watchdog, is accused of billing taxpayers for a second home in Niagara-on-the-lake. Last year, Shurman claimed nearly $21,000 for a housing allowance to rent a place in Toronto. But Shurman owns a home on Orchard Drive in Niagara-on-the-Lake. And while he says it’s his primary residence, neighbours we spoke to Thursday say he’s never there. The housing allowance is permitted under the rules for MPP’s who live 50 kilometres away from Queen’s Park. But Shurman’s Thornhill riding is within that radius. Shurman was unavailable for comment. But he has been quoted as saying he can’t afford to pay for two homes without help.

While he says he can’t afford to pay for two homes, Shurman owns this plane, which he uses routinely uses to fly to the southern United States.